Simple methods to stack manure and make compost without nutrient loss

Simple methods to stack manure and make compost without nutrient loss

Summary

Four farmers created manure stacks this fall. The stacks were covered with various low-nutrient materials or low-nutrient materials like finished compost were placed underneath the manure piles. The number of stacks created by each farmer varied depending on the amount and type of manure and covering material available. Soil samples and samples of the manure were collected from each site. The soil samples will be analyzed for ammonium, and the manure will be analyzed for dry matter, nutrients and carbon.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Our objective was to create some stacks in the summer and in the fall. No stacks were created in the summer because of frequent rainfall. Four farms created stacks in the fall. All samples have been collected from the soils and manures at each site. A planning day was held with three farmers at the University of Conencticut’s Research Farm in April 2003. A field day will be held at the research farm in the spring.

Collaborators: